Protein dessert - 5 Protein-Packed Donuts That Are Actually Healthy

Craving donuts but don’t want the sugar crash or guilt that comes with them?

Good news: you can now enjoy your favorite sweet treat without breaking your diet. Protein donuts are the answer!

I have a sweet tooth and always have. Growing up in an Italian household we always had pasta and that was generally followed by Italian cannoli.

But as you get older, there is no way you can keep having these types of desserts all the time as you did when you were younger. And that’s why the below recipes are perfect if you’re like me.

Some who love to keep in shape and work out but also crave some sweets at times.

They taste just as satisfying but are packed with protein, keeping you fuller for longer while fitting perfectly into a clean eating plan. Whether you're cutting carbs, maintaining weight, or just love a sweet breakfast option, these five high-protein donut recipes will be your new favorites.

1. Double Chocolate Protein Donuts

Only 89 Calories Each

Love chocolate? This one’s for you. Rich and gooey, these chocolate donuts are made with protein powder, so they’re high in protein but low in calories—making them a perfect healthy dessert or snack.

Ingredients:

1 scoop of chocolate protein powder
2 tablespoons of cocoa powder (unsweetened)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup canned pumpkin
1/4 cup liquid egg whites
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: 2 tbsp sugar-free chocolate chips
Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Mix dry ingredients in one bowl.
Blend in the pumpkin, egg whites, and vanilla.
Spray donut pan and add batter.
Bake for 10–12 minutes.
Cool and top with chocolate chips if desired.
Per serving:
Calories: 89 | Protein: 11g | Carbs: 5g | Fat: 2g

 2. Clean Eating Almond Oat Protein Donuts

This recipe uses clean ingredients like almond meal and oat flour, making it a nutrient-dense alternative to sugary donuts. Perfect for breakfast or a mid-morning bite.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup oat flour
1/2 cup almond meal
1/4 cup vanilla protein powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 egg
1/4 cup raw honey
1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
2 tbsp melted coconut oil
Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Mix dry ingredients separately.
Whisk wet ingredients in a different bowl.
Combine everything until smooth.
Fill greased donut pan.
Bake 12–15 minutes until lightly golden.
Per donut:
Calories: 288 | Protein: 10g | Carbs: 25g | Fat: 18g

 3. Vanilla Protein Donuts

Fast & Simple

Need a quick fix? These donuts take under 20 minutes from start to finish and are perfect for a snack or a low-calorie breakfast. Plus, they’re gluten-free and super fluffy.

Ingredients:

2 tbsp coconut flour
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 egg
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp almond milk (adjust if needed)
Instructions:

Preheat oven to 325°F.
Mix all ingredients until smooth.
Add to greased donut pan.
Bake 10–12 minutes.
Let them cool before eating.
Macros per donut:
Calories: 86 | Protein: 10g | Carbs: 4g | Fat: 2g

 4. Banana Protein Donuts with Almond Butter

If you love banana bread, this recipe will hit the spot. Made with real banana and healthy fats from almond butter, they’re moist, flavorful, and full of natural sweetness.

Ingredients:

1 ripe banana
1 egg
2 tbsp almond butter
1 tbsp coconut oil
1/4 cup vanilla protein powder
1/4 cup almond flour
1/4 tsp baking powder
Dash of cinnamon
Instructions:

Mash banana and mix with egg, almond butter, and coconut oil.
Add remaining dry ingredients.
Stir until fully blended.
Pour into donut molds.
Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.
Cool slightly before removing.
Each donut has:
Calories: 203 | Protein: 5g | Carbs: 15g | Fat: 13g

 5. Low-Calorie Cinnamon Protein Donuts

This one’s ideal for low-calorie diets. A little cinnamon goes a long way to flavor these soft, protein-rich donuts. They’re easy to make and satisfy your cravings fast.

Ingredients:

1 scoop vanilla protein powder
2 tbsp almond flour
1/4 cup egg whites
1 tbsp unsweetened applesauce
1/4 tsp cinnamon
Optional: stevia for extra sweetness
Instructions:

Preheat oven to 325°F.
Mix everything until smooth.
Spoon into a non-stick donut pan.
Bake for 10 minutes.
Cool and enjoy warm or chilled.
Per serving:
Calories: 80 | Protein: 9g | Carbs: 3g | Fat: 2g

 Final Thoughts

You don’t need to say goodbye to donuts to stay healthy. These high-protein recipes let you enjoy indulgent flavors without guilt. With fewer calories, better ingredients, and more protein per bite, you can bake your way to better health—one donut at a time.